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British Bookmakers Set to Make Record Contribution for Rights to Show Horse Racing
British bookmakers are on track to make a record contribution to horse racing next year – with the bill for media rights forecast to increase by nearly £30m.
The Betting and Gaming Council’s five biggest members for horse race betting, Entain, Flutter, bet365, 888/William Hill and Betfred, expect to see a record cost increase to broadcast races.
In 2022, BGC members paid £270.1m for the rights to live stream races for customers and show them in bookmakers.
But that cost is forecast to rise to £285.3m this year, an increase of 5.6%, with members estimating a further increase to £315.2m in 2024, a further bump of 10.5%.
The combined increase for media rights costs is now expected to rise by 16.7% between 2022 and 2024.
The figures are based on data supplied by the Betting and Gaming Council’s five biggest members for horse race betting, then adjusted to include smaller operators, who must also pay for media rights.
Michael Dugher, CEO of Betting and Gaming Council, said: “BGC members are already making a record contribution to horse racing and these figures show that is only going to increase.
“This comes despite a reduction in betting turnover on racing in the last five years and a worrying decline in participation in horse race betting overall.
“Horse racing remains a hugely important, world-leading sport, enjoyed by millions of fans and like the betting industry it continues to support large numbers of jobs.
“I know racing is trying to modernise and reach out to new fans, while also trying to bounce back from the Covid pandemic and deal with some difficult economic headwinds, plus deal with the hit on its funding caused by the Government. The betting industry is dealing with many of the same pressures on our revenues and costs.
“The BGC and our members remain fully committed to working together with the leadership of the sport, including the BHA and others, to ensure a better future for racing. But the fact that we are making a record and growing contribution to the sport cannot be ignored.”
The forecast costs come after the BGC announced their members directly contributed £384m to British horse racing last year in levy, media rights and sponsorship deals.
These figures showed an increase on previous estimates for the regulated sector’s contribution, which had placed it at around £350m a year.
In addition, bookmakers spent £125m on marketing to promote racing and betting through advertisements and partnerships, which helps secure vital terrestrial coverage of the sport and raise revenue for print newspaper titles.
As well as the increased costs for media rights, levy payments are projected to be £99m in 2022/2023, according to the Horserace Betting Levy Board.
This record investment also enabled horse racing to use some of these revenues to deliver record prize money of £179.3m in 2022.
Horse racing is the second biggest sport in the UK, second only to football, with more than five million people attending around 1400 fixtures annually across 59 racecourses.
However, its popularity is in decline. In 2007, 17% of the population participated in horse race betting in the previous year, but that fell to 10% in 2018.
Meanwhile football overtook horse racing betting around the same time between 2017/2018.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has committed to reviewing the Horseracing Levy by next year.
The Horseracing Levy, which is administered by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, goes towards improving the sport, breeding and boosting veterinary care.
Betting operators are working closely with the British Horseracing Authority and racing stakeholders on much needed reforms to the fixture list and race programme which should increase commercial returns from the levy and media rights.
The regulated betting industry fully supports this once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernise horse racing so it can realise its full commercial potential.
The BGC is also working closely with the government on the proposed reforms from the White Paper to ensure those who enjoy betting can continue to do so without unnecessary intrusion, while introducing improved safeguards for the minority who struggle.
Betting shops currently support around 42,000 jobs, contribute £1bn a year in tax to the Treasury and another £60m in business rates to local councils.
The wider regulated betting and gaming industry contributes £7.1bn to the economy, generates £4.2bn in tax and supports 110,000 jobs.
In April DCMS unveiled the Government’s new White Paper on gambling reform, including a number of key measures the BGC had campaigned for.
Those included a new mandatory Ombudsman for the regulated sector, enhanced spending checks online and a new mandatory levy to fund research, education and treatment to tackle gambling related harm and problem gambling.
Each month in Great Britain around 22.5m adults have a bet and the most recent Health Survey for England estimated that 0.4% of the adult population are problem gamblers.
Meanwhile the unsafe, unregulated gambling black market online is growing in the UK, with the numbers betting on these sites doubling in recent years, and the amount staked in the billions.
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Fast Track is issuing this statement regarding an isolated incident that occurred in early October.
Fast Track experienced a highly sophisticated cyber attack that specifically targeted two clients operating on the Fast Track Platform.
Upon detection of the breach, Fast Track immediately ceased the attack and informed the affected parties.
Fast Track confirms that no other clients have been impacted by this incident.
Further details will be provided as they become available and appropriate to release.
If you have any questions regarding this incident, please email [email protected].
The post Important Information regarding Fast Track services appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
GAMOMAT is taking players on a colourful adventure with its new title, Frooty Troupe Sun Splash. This feel-good game launches the new Frooty Troupe series, transporting players to exciting worlds, with more to be revealed in time.
Relax Gaming has launched Masked Treasures, a volatile Aztec-inspired slot packed with mystery symbols and free spins. Set deep in the jungle on a 5×3 reel layout, Masked Treasures invites players to uncover sacred rewards hidden behind ornate gold masks, with a maximum win potential of 5,000x the stake.
Evoplay has launched Hocus Pocus Sorcery, where the night comes alive with glowing gems, enchanted books, and mischievous black cat. Hocus Pocus Sorcery captures the Halloween spirit with a supernatural flair. Players are welcomed into a moonlit world of bubbling cauldrons and mysterious symbols, where each spin offers a chance to unlock powerful features and hidden rewards.
Players will feel the power of the herd and find strength in every spin in Buffalo Wild Collection, the latest slot from in-demand iGaming content provider, ICONIC21. Buffalo Wild Collection takes players to the Great Plains, where they follow these magnificent beasts towards potentially big wins.
TaDa Gaming, is hoisting the Jolly Roger for a barrel full of gold in new release Lucky Macaw. An unusual grid layout sees three reels and three rows, with the centre reel holding an extra position/fourth row, plus 10 fixed paylines. Set in Pirate Cove with the galleon anchored offshore, Captain Macaw is ready to parley with players for pirate coins and bags of gold cash symbols.
Endorphina has announced the release of its newest title, Sloteus Gold. Featuring 5 reels, 4 rows, 25 fixed paylines, and a royal treasure narrative, Sloteus Gold is now available in online casinos. This new Endorphina slot invites players on a royal adventure for King Sloteus’ Gold, where valuable coins with multipliers up to x15 are in play.
Amusnet has released its latest slot game – 40 Lucky Wilds Hot. This sizzling online slot turns the temperature up with classic charm, vibrant symbols, and electrifying winning potential. Designed with 5 reels and 40 fixed paylines, 40 Lucky Wilds Hot invites players into a world where every spin crackles with excitement.
Million Games, together with Million Stars partner studio Yugo Workshop, has announced the launch of FreakShow Hotel, a Halloween-themed 5×3 video slot designed to deliver both festive fun and serious win potential. Set inside Count Drac’s haunted hotel, the game invites players to join a supernatural banquet filled with ghosts, monsters, and high-paying surprises.
Stakelogic has unveiled its latest enchanted adventure, Leprechaun’s Loot, where Irish folklore meets inventive mechanics. Starring Pip O’Spin, a cheeky leprechaun from the emerald hills with a gift for turning rainbows into gold, the game combines playful storytelling with exciting Hold ‘N’ Win action.
Play’n GO breathes new life into ancient Chinese mythology with Bao Shi, a visually striking 5-reel slot centred around the mythical Lion God, Lioras. Set amidst mist-shrouded mountains and long-forgotten temples, Bao Shi beckons players to release Lioras from an ancient spell cast by a malevolent warlord, bringing prosperity to those brave enough to beat the drums of destiny.
Evoplay has launched Trick or Treat Joker, a spooky slot where mischief and mayhem rule the night. Led by the sinister yet charming Joker, this Halloween-themed release blends spooky visuals with classic fruit symbols for a mischievous twist on conventional gameplay. Pumpkins, cobwebs, bats, and glowing symbols create a haunting setting for an eerie adventure.
Spinomenal is celebrating this year’s Halloween with the release of its new title, Spooky Halloween. Spinomenal’s chilling slot is set within a forest cloaked in fog, surrounded by twisted trees and glowing candles illuminating the 5×4 layout. Adding to the haunting experience is an atmospheric soundtrack, echoing with eerie chimes that builds anticipation with every spin.
Amusnet has released its latest video slot, Wild Fortune. This 5-reel, 40-fixed-payline video slot features nine beautifully designed symbols. The Wild symbol expands on all reels and positions, helping players to complete winning combinations and unlock hidden treasures.
The post Week 41/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Introducing Riot Games’ newest title to the esports landscape
DATA.BET, the award-winning sports betting solution supplier, has pioneered the betting market by launching 2XKO, a new dynamic competitive format.
2XKO marks a new addition to the global esports scene. With its fast-paced, double-elimination structure, it brings a distinctive rhythm of short yet high-stakes matches — a setup that potentially opens new avenues for betting engagement and audience retention as the format evolves.
At this stage, DATA.BET’s coverage focuses on key pre-match markets, including Winner and To Reach the Final for overall tournament outcomes, as well as Winner within individual matches. During the final stages of the competition, the company also plans to expand its offering with Map Winner markets for each map.
What makes 2XKO unique is the combination of short-form, high-intensity gameplay. This setup maximizes player engagement, mirroring the popularity of competitive fighting games worldwide while translating seamlessly into a betting environment.
DATA.BET debuted its 2XKO betting coverage at the upcoming 2 NICE KO tournament in Nice, France (Oct 10–12, 2025), featuring nearly 300 players across top fighting titles.
Bogdan Holovnov, Head of Esports at DATA.BET, said: “Esports thrives on creativity and innovation, and 2XKO is the perfect example of how new formats can drive excitement for players and bettors alike. At DATA.BET, we’re proud to be the first to bring this to market — giving our partners exclusive access to content that captures the speed, intensity, and global appeal of fighting games. This launch reinforces our commitment to expanding esports betting with fresh, high-impact experiences.”
The post DATA.BET the First to Launch 2XKO Offering appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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